Severe Floods Hit Bihar Following Heavy Rainfall, Thousands Affected

Heavy rains in northern Bihar and Nepal have led to severe flooding in several districts due to water discharge from the Kosi and Gandak barrages. Power cuts affected thousands as floodwaters inundated homes and facilities. The administration faces criticism for inadequate response.

Several regions of Bihar are facing severe flooding due to the heavy discharge of water from the Kosi Barrage in Birpur, following incessant rainfall. The downpour in Nepal's catchment areas has caused rivers to surge beyond danger levels in bordering districts.

A vast quantity of water was released from the Kosi and Gandak barrages after heavy rains, impacting several parts of Sitamarhi. A breach in the Mandar dam in Belsand block on September 29 further exacerbated the flooding.

Floodwaters inundated the Katra Bakuchi Power Grid in Muzaffarpur, plunging 45,000 homes into darkness. Power has been cut off on instructions from department officials, who plan to restore electricity once water levels recede. According to an engineer at the power station, shutting down the supply is crucial for safety.

The flooding has left many northeastern districts, including Supaul, in dire straits as floodwaters infiltrated homes and facilities. A resident of Supaul, Joginder Mehta, described the flooding as the worst since 1961, lamenting the lack of administrative assistance.

(With inputs from agencies.)